BIDDERS for the contract to build and operate Nottingham's tram extensions will hand in their proposals today.

The Arrow Connect and the Tramlink Nottingham consortiums are competing for the contract to design, finance, construct and operate the NET Phase Two lines to Chilwell and Clifton, which are to start service in 2014.

Matthew Crosse, bid director of Arrow Connect, said: "Arrow Connect has the experience to deliver the very high standards set for NET Phase Two."

Tramlink Nottingham spokesman Ian Morgan said: "There is no doubt that Nottingham deserves a world-class tram network and we are excited by the prospect of delivering just that."

The city council is expected to choose its preferred bidder later this year.